Fall 2026 - Des Moines Workshop

Iowa State Capitol building with a golden dome, view from the front surrounded by greenery and flags.

Maximizing Grant Success – TFLEx Fall 2026 Workshop
September 21-22, 2026 | Des Moines, Iowa

Grant funding represents a significant source for transit agencies. Federal funding programs award grants through a competitive process or using an allocation formula. Allowable uses and reporting requirements vary by program – looking to align with program objectives. State and local grants often relate to green or social mandates. The challenge for transit agencies is to balance program objectives and requirements with agency operating, state-of-good-repair, and system improvement & expansion goals. Finance plays a key role in pursuing funding through the grant application process and providing data support for funding initiatives, grants management, and funding use reporting to demonstrate responsible fiscal stewardship.

Workshop objectives – After attending the conference, participants are able to:

Understand the Finance role and factors considered in developing agency strategies for financial sustainability. including operating, state-of-good-repair, and system improvement & expansion goals.
Describe approaches to grant proposals including cross-functional teams, regional alliances, use of AI and outside expertise, and competitive grant upfront reviews to ensure subsequent compliance.
Determine the Finance responsibilities in initiatives to secure legislation that continues or expands funding, and national efforts to support transit funding.
Understand the factors considered in developing agency grant fund use strategies, including utilization of “capital cost of contracting,” and preventive maintenance.
Explore ERP & other software implementations to meet federal reporting & grants management requirements.
Illustrate and share transit agency best practices through structured, participative sessions.